Multi-stage compressor having interstage lubricant injection via an injection rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw compressor systems face inefficiencies in lubricant/coolant distribution and cooling effectiveness, particularly in oil flooded compressors, which affect the operation and performance of the compressor.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an oil rod with strategically positioned orifices or openings that atomize and inject lubricant/coolant into the interstage region between the first and second stages of a multi-stage screw compressor, ensuring uniform distribution and enhanced cooling of the working fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional oil injection systems are used in screw compressors, then lubrication and cooling functions are provided, but the distribution uniformity and cooling effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The injection rod is segmented with multiple openings distributed along its length, allowing lubricant to be injected at multiple locations simultaneously. This segmentation of the injection function improves distribution uniformity across the compression chamber while maintaining reliable lubrication throughout the compression process
Solution Approach 2:
The injection rod provides localized lubricant injection at specific positions within the compression chamber. By positioning the rod to extend into the interstage region and providing openings at specific locations, the system delivers lubricant precisely where needed in the compression zone, improving both distribution uniformity and cooling effectiveness
2Temperature
If oil flooded contact cooling lubricant systems are used, then cooling and lubrication are provided, but the cooling effectiveness and heat removal efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The injection rod delivers lubricant/coolant into the interstage region before the working fluid enters the second compression stage. This preliminary injection ensures that cooling and lubrication occur at the optimal point in the compression process, improving heat removal efficiency and cooling effectiveness before temperatures rise further in subsequent compression
Solution Approach 2:
The injection rod acts as an intermediary device that introduces lubricant/coolant into the compression chamber at the interstage region. This intermediary injection point allows for more effective heat transfer and cooling compared to traditional injection methods, improving the overall cooling effectiveness and energy efficiency of the system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution improves the lubrication and cooling efficiency of the compressor, leading to better rotor surface lubrication, reduced heat removal, and optimized performance by ensuring effective atomization and distribution of lubricant/coolant throughout the compression process.
Implementation Method 1
an oil rod with strategically positioned orifices or openings that atomize and inject lubricant/coolant into the interstage region
Implementation Method 2
ensuring uniform distribution and enhanced cooling of the working fluid
Implementation Method 3
improves the lubrication and cooling efficiency of the compressor, leading to better rotor surface lubrication
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor is disclosed which can include a first stage and a second stage. In one form the compressor includes contact cooled compressor stages. The compressor can include a rod useful to inject a lubricant for purposes of cooling/lubricating/sealing the rotating components of the compressor. In one form the rod is an elongate rod with openings which permit a lubricant such as oil to be injected. The injected oil can be atomized via the openings. The rod can be positioned in the interstage space between the first and second stages, and can include a variety of openings.